DeLille Cellars was founded in 1992 by Greg Lill, Jay Soloff, Chris Upchurch, and Charles Lill. The winery, dedicated to making old-world style wines from new world fruit, is located in Woodinville, Washington.

Much of the winery’s fruit comes from Red Mountain vineyard, including Ciel du Cheval, Klipsun, and Grand Ciel – DeLille’s own vineyard. The winery also sources fruit from Boushey, Harrison Hill, and Sagemoor Farm. These vineyards are among the top in the state.

The winery has received a great deal of recognition over the years. The Doyenne 2005 Aix was recently in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2008. Additionally, at the 21st Annual Auction of Washington wine, 21 liters of DeLille wine were auctioned off for a record setting $70,000.

A big, earthy nose with cranberry, raspberry and red fruit. The wine is front-loaded in the palette with a quick attack that then drops off gracefully. A beautiful tribute to the Rhone style. 40% Grenache; 40% Mourvedre; 20% Syrah. Ciel du Cheval and Boushey Vineyards.

$32

**

Doyenne Aix Red Mountain 2006

An earthy, jammy wine with lots of red fruit and a touch of mint. Remarkably light and refined in texture with a long finish. 64.5% Syrah; 35.5% Cabernet. Ciel du Cheval, Grand Ciel, and Kiona Vineyards.

$34

*

Doyenne Syrah Yakima Valley 2006

Light smoke along with red fruit, red currant, earth, and floral notes. A bit more full on the palette than the others but is still quite elegant in style. A good, European-style wine. 98% Syrah; 2% Viognier. Ciel du Cheval, Grand Ciel, Boushey, and Kiona Vineyards.